Entry requirements

150 credits complete courses including biology 60 credits and chemistry 30 credits.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to provide a deeper knowledge of the human genome and the importance of genetic factors for the origin of disease and underlying molecular mechanisms.

After this course, the student should

• have a good understanding of molecular and cellular events at the origin, development and diagnostics of genetic diseases including cancer
• be able to analyse, process and formulate scientific questions within the field and have an overview of current research in genetics and cancer
• be able to describe current techniques used in research diagnostics and treatment. For students who take the course as a starting course on the Master's programme in biology, the module Current trends in the biology is included. After this module, the student should
• show an understanding of the research front in biology, its history and role for the society and of the professional career for biologists
• show an understanding of gender perspectives, research ethics and philosophy of science.

Content

The course comprises genetic variation and causes behind genetic diseases and cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the origin and progression of cancer. Current clinical diagnostics and treatment of genetic diseases and cancer will be treated as well as methods and techniques. The course will also give an overview of the current research within genetics and cancer.

Theoretical parts and computer-based assignments will illustrate, how molecular factors behind a disease can be determined. Methods for mapping of genetic diseases, genotyping with microsatellites and SNP markers and analysis of genetic variation in populations will be treated together with current techniques for the analysis of the structure and function of genes. Application of DNA analyses in forensic genetic studies will be illustrated. Ethical aspects will be discussed.

General tumour theory and tumour classification followed by cellular and molecular mechanisms important for the origin and growth of tumours and the body's immune defence against cancer will be discussed. The course treats e.g. epigenetic mechanisms for cancer, carcinogenesis, genomic instability, angiogenesis, tumour virus, oncogenes, growth factors, signal transduction, tumour suppressor genes and clinical oncology. Practical parts can be consist of demonstrations histopathologic aberrations at cancer. Also web-based material will be used. Seminars together with researchers will give the students the opportunity to discuss current problems within cancer research.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of lectures, seminars, theoretical and practical parts and demonstrations. Problem-oriented exercises and presentations related to current research fields. Within the course, the students carry out a literature project about 4 credits. The students that read the module Current trends which runs as a seminar series during the whole course, will instead carry out a literature project of 2 credits.

Assessment

For the theory part (11 credits) accepted results of examination and passed laboratory sessions and seminars are required. The literature assignment (2 or 4 credits) is presented in writing. For the module Current trends (2 credits) attendance and active participation in seminars is required.